Date: June 29, 1997 Series: Spiritual Gifts Speaker: Ron R. Ritchie

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Definition of Love

1 Corinthians 13: 4-7

Paul uses the Greek word agape to express the essential nature of God, “for God is love” (1 John 4:8). This agape or sacrificial love can be known only from the actions it prompts. God is the source of this sacrificial love as expressed in John 3:16: 'For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son...' He did so at great personal sacrifice. The love of God has its perfect expression among men in the Lord Jesus Christ. Christian love is the fruit of his Spirit expressed through our lives by righteous acts toward others (2 Corinthians 5:14; Galatians 5:22).

Let's use 1 Corinthians 13 as a personal mirror to see if you are reflecting the love of Christ towards your spiritual family as well as those struggling within our broken community. As you read the list below, place your name in the blank areas where you believe the Holy Spirit has been enabling you to become more like Jesus.

1. is patient.
2. is kind.
3. does not envy.
4. does not brag.
5. is not arrogant.
6. is not rude.
7. is not self seeking.
8. is not easily provoked.
9. keeps no record of wrongs.
10. does not delight in evil.
11. rejoices in truth.
12. always bears all things.
13. always believes all things.
14. always hopes all things.
15. always endures all things.

To read this description of agape love is to look into the face and life in Jesus. And our risen Lord's desire is that all of us who love Him will be transformed into His image.

Copyright © 1997 Fellowship Bible Church of Colorado Springs. All Rights Reserved.